SOLDIERS ALLEGEDLY SET HOUSES ABLAZE IN ABIA COMMUNITY, GOVERNOR IKPEAZU WADES IN, CALLS FOR CALM
Reports indicate that troops attached to the 144 Battalion, Asa, Ukwa West council, Abia State, have set several houses ablaze in Owaza community in what has been described as a reprisal onslaught on residents of the community.
Recall, on Tuesday January 18, Eons Intelligence reported that there was tension in Obuzor community, Ukwa LGA of Abia State, after hoodlums killed three soldiers at a location between Owaza and Obibor communities on Monday night and set their bodies ablaze.
It was gathered that the hoodlums, suspected to be oil thieves, also set the soldiers’ patrol van and carted away their rifles.
It is imperative to mention that Owaza is a boundary community between Abia and Rivers states.
It is believed that the clash between the troops and the hoodlums was attributed to the ban on oil bunkering in Rivers State with the hoodlums unable to infiltrate and unleash their nefarious operation through Owaza community due to soldiers guarding the area.
Angered by the killing of their colleagues, the troops allegedly stormed Owaza community, setting houses, shops and any structure on sight ablaze.
It should be recalled that Eons Intelligence reported that residents of the community started fleeing on Tuesday over a possible reprisal attack from the soldiers.
As of the time of filing this report, sources disclose that residents are currently seeking refuge at Obehie, Imo Gate, and Ugwunago communities.
Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, reacting to the incident, has called a meeting of stakeholders from Ukwa West LGA, urging all parties to give peace a chance and allow the State Government to conduct proper investigations.
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